A Taste of Cuban Cuisine: What is Yuca Con Mojo?

We are going to talk about What Is Yuca Con Mojo? It is a classic Cuban dish loved by many for its unique flavor and versatility. Yuca, or cassava, is boiled and mashed to a creamy consistency. The mojo sauce contains garlic, olive oil, lime juice, and oregano, which adds a unique flavor to the dish. 

Due to its simple ingredients, the dish can be served as a side dish or as a main course. There are many creative ways to use it, from salads to soups. In this post, we’ll talk about the origins, preparation, and ingredients of yuca con mojo. We’ll also provide some tips to help ensure that this dish comes out perfectly every time. 

What Is Yuca Con Mojo?

Yuca con mojo is Cuban cuisine. Also,it can be served as an appetizer or a side dish to any dinner meal. It is a simple yet delicious side dish with chunks of boiled fresh yuca and garlicky mojo sauce. 

One also enjoys the lovely citrus touch of bitter oranges, lime juice, minced parsley, and black pepper. It can be a perfect alternative to potatoes.

Ingredients Needed To Make Yuca Con Mojo

To make this delicious appetizer, you will need

● 1.5 to 2 pounds yuca (cassava) peeled and cut into chunks

● 1 or 2 large red onions; slice them

● 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed) 

● 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed from 2 limes)

● one tablespoon of coarsely chopped cilantro; spare some leaves for garnishing

● six cloves (minced) garlic

● 1/4 cup olive oil

● 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

● 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

● 1.5 teaspoon Kosher salt, to taste

● Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Prepare Yuca Con Mojo

● To start making yuca con mojo, you need first to gather all the ingredients.

● Then boil the yuca in water containing salt for about 30-35 minutes or until tender.

● Separate the yuca from the water and place the yuca in a separate dish or bowl.

● Cover the bowl or dish containing the yuca.

● Now add the sliced onions, orange and lime juice, cilantro, and minced garlic in a bowl.

● Pour the mixture into the bowl containing the yuca.

● Now heat olive oil in a pan.

● Add oregano, cumin seeds, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Sauté them for 1 minute.

● Pour the oil over the yuca.

● To finish up, garnish the dish with cilantro or orange zest as required.

Benefits Of Yuca Con Mojo

Yuca contains several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide health benefits to the body. Yucca, for instance, is rich in choline, a nutrient essential to brain and nerve function.

Also, Yuca is an excellent source of potassium, which is integral to regulating your heartbeat, kidney function, and muscle contractions. Several other health benefits can also be listed:

 

Lower Risk of Cancer

Yuca root has a high level of beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant. These antioxidants have been shown to fight free radicals in the body, which can cause damage to your cells, leading to cancer.

Digestive Health

Yuca root can help maintain digestive health as well. It is an outstanding source of resistant starch. This type of starch works just like soluble dietary fiber. It feeds the “good” bacteria in your small and large intestines, which helps your digestive system function more smoothly by digesting more matter.

Blood Glucose Control

The starch in yuca roots can also help control blood glucose levels. It reduces the insulin response after eating anything that has high glucose content.

Yuca root is an excellent source of many minerals like

● vitamin C (boosts the immune system)

● Vitamin A

● Phosphorus

● Beta-carotene

● Potassium

● Magnesium

Serving Suggestions For Yuca Con Mojo

Yuca con mojo can be used as a side dish or an appetizer with any meal. It needs to be served when warm. You can choose any herbs available for garnishing or substitute orange juice for lemon juice if not available.

If you prefer consuming yuca con mojo for breakfast, you can go with a fried egg or add some avocado and a few slices of Salami Frito.

If you want to consume it for lunch or dinner, you can serve yuca with mojo with fried Longaniza Fritz. Alternatively, you may opt for Chuleta frita (Dominican pork chops), Chicharro, or Arenque con huevos (smoked herring and eggs).

FAQs

Is Yuca a vegetable?

Yuca is a root vegetable. It is mainly grown and harvested in regions with tropical and subtropical climates.

Is Yuca healthy to eat?

Yucca is a healthy, fat-free & gluten-free root vegetable option to add as a side dish. Also, it is a perfect alternative to potatoes. It has numerous health benefits. It is an excellent source of Vitamins C, B, and A, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and choline – minerals that are essential for the body.

Conclusion

Finally, we found out What Is Yuca Con Mojo? Yuca con mojo is a popular and delicious side dish in Cuban cuisine. The plate uses only a few simple ingredients, including yuca, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, and oregano, yet it has a complex flavor and texture. 

Whether you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish for a special occasion or want to add something exotic to your meal rotation, yuca con mojo is sure to be a hit. Go ahead and give it a try!